Aldrich Drive, Willen, MK15 9HP

It has been 41 years now since the current owner moved into her beautiful new home and the gorgeous, detached house has just been fully refurbished. With four bedrooms, generous living space and an outstanding garden, the property, on Aldrich Drive, in Willen, has been a magnificent family home and a superb place in which to welcome guests. “We loved the location as it was in a convenient area, close to the lake and where all the properties were different, as most of them were self-builds,” she remembers. “We liked it because it was very large, with a spacious garden and a double garage.” She continues: “We bought it off-plan and I would come up here every weekend with the children to watch it being built. It was very exciting and because we bought it so early, we were able to make decisions about some of the finishes.”

MODERN LIVING Over the decades since then, however, the handsome, double-fronted house has been improved and upgraded even further. Bathrooms have been replaced to a high specification and extension work has been carried out. A wall was removed between the kitchen and dining room to create one exceptional, open-plan kitchen, dining and living space; a stylish new kitchen was added, and, to the rear of the house, a beautiful new orangery, with a glass roof lantern, was built. “The whole house now feels completely different because of the work we have overseen,” she admits. “It all feels light, airy and very comfortable and easy to live in.”

PEACEFUL PLACE The symmetrical, red-brick house is set back from the road by its substantial driveway. It is entered via a central, covered front door and a generous reception hall. This features porcelain tiles and a staircase with a glass and wood balustrade. To the right, the long sitting room has windows to the front and double glass doors into the orangery. This cosy room features a media wall and an eye-catching, contemporary fire. “This is a nice, peaceful place to sit in the evening and to look out towards the greenery to the front of the house,” she observes.

CHIC KITCHEN An understairs cupboard provides superb storage. Next to it, a door opens into the splendid, L-shaped kitchen, dining and living area, which in turn flows through to a cloakroom and utility room. At one end, the open-plan room encompasses a relaxation area, with a large sofa and a television. Beyond is the chic kitchen space, with its central island and breakfast bar, and shaker-style units, finished with gorgeous black granite work surfaces. There is also room here for a breakfast table. “I love this part of the house and spend a lot of time in here,” she admits. “It leads through to the orangery, where I have my dining table and bi-folding doors onto the garden. In the summer, it is absolutely beautiful in here.”

STREAMING SUNSHINE All four carefully decorated bedrooms are on the first floor of the house in something of a Georgian-style layout. The master bedroom, which is to the front, has an en-suite shower room and there is a family bathroom to the rear. “This is a good size, with room for both a bath and a shower,” Diane says. “The master bedroom, which has a built-in wardrobe, is a lovely room that is often filled with sunshine. I tend to use the smallest bedroom as my dressing room.”

LAKESIDE WALKS The garden has also been greatly enjoyed by the family. High-quality artificial grass keeps it looking smart and there is a summer house, which originally housed a hot tub, but could have a variety of different uses, including as a work or leisure space. There is a terrace for outside dining and relaxation. The double garage, which has been boarded out, has been excellent for storage, but again could hold potential for new owners seeking an alternative use. On fine days, they have also enjoyed strolling over to Willen Lake to walk beside the water and watch the wildlife. “This is an ideal location for reaching shops, supermarkets, schools and everything else you need too,” she says. “It has been a wonderful place to live and I will miss it greatly when I leave. But I will take lots of happy memories away with me, of the time I spent here with my children and my granddaughter.”

Outside To the front of the property on Aldrich Drive, there is a sizeable driveway, with space for several cars to park and access to the double garage, where CCTV is currently mounted. To the rear, the house opens onto an enclosed garden, with an artificial lawn and a large terrace. There is ample space for children to play, plus a useful summer house.

Disclaimer Chewton Rose is the seller's agent for this property. Your conveyancer is legally responsible for ensuring any purchase agreement fully protects your position. We make detailed enquiries of the seller to ensure the information provided is as accurate as possible. Please inform us if you become aware of any information being inaccurate.

Photos in this listing may be digitally enhanced or altered for illustrative or marketing purposes. Where applicable, furniture, decoration, landscaping or other features shown may not reflect the property in its current form. Please refer to the description and ask the agent to confirm the current condition and features before relying on any image.